Sangrur (Punjab) [India], April 15 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday responded strongly to remarks made by Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Partap Singh Bajwa, accusing him of spreading fear and undermining the state's law enforcement agencies.
"He said this to spread fear... Where are the bombs? Tell me?... The law will do its work... Where are the grenades and bombs?" Mann said while addressing mediapersons in Sangrur.
Referring to Punjab's geographical position and security challenges, Mann said the state regularly deals with sensitive situations and added that Bajwa's comments serve only to demoralise those on duty.
"Punjab is a border state, and we deal with all kinds of situations every day, but he has demoralised us. He thinks Punjab Police is incapable," the Chief Minister added.
Earlier, a case was registered against Bajwa over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" remark.
The Punjab Congress has dismissed the FIR as a political vendetta and is pursuing legal recourse.
Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Bajwa defended his recent remarks about a bomb threat in Punjab, stating that his warning came from a credible source and that he has cooperated with intelligence agencies.
"I gave a statement to a TV channel that my sources have warned me that several bombs have come to Punjab. 18 bombs have been exploded, and 30-32 bombs are to be used. My source told me that I am in an important position, so I should stay aware," Bajwa told reporters.
The remarks from Bajwa has triggered a protest from the AAP as workers on Tuesday staged a protest in Mohali against Punjab Leader of Opposition.
An AAP worker said, "Congress is staging a sit-in protest today, alleging vendetta politics by the AAP Government in the state. But Congress knows that LoP Punjab Partap Singh Bajwa said on a TV channel that "50 bombs have reached Punjab", and of them, 18 have been used, while 32 remain to be used. Punjab Police approached him for him to reveal his source and information, but he did not tell them anything. An FIR was registered against him. Congress is protesting today to protect Bajwa. So, we are protesting here."
The AAP accused the Punjab Congress of trying to shield Bajwa. "Congress should tell whether it is with the people of Punjab or with terrorists...He will have to explain himself or apologise. Otherwise, legal action will be taken," the protester added.